UC Davis is installing 1,200 solar panels in Parking Lot 1 on campus.
These solar panels are part of UC Davis’ recent plan to reduce their carbon footprint. Lot 1 is one of seven locations on campus where solar panels will be installed.
Each solar panel measures about 18 square feet and can generate up to 235 watts. According to David Phillips, UC Davis utilities director, the solar panels at the seven locations are expected to produce approximately 1.1 million kilowatt-hours, which is about how much electricity Mrak Hall uses every year.
In order to make room for the panels, 38 trees were cut down. However, the panels will provide more shade than the trees did, according to Pablo Orozco, assistant director of engineering in Design and Construction Management.
UC Davis has made a deal with Main Street Power Company, who will build and own the system, and then sell the power to UC Davis.
The other locations include the Teaching and Research Winery, and the August A. Busch III Brewing and Food Science Laboratory, Gallagher Hall and the adjacent conference center, the Segundo Dining Commons, the Tercero Dining Commons, Segundo residential housing (north) and the Segundo Services Center.
– Hannah Strumwasser
